Labour promises ‘workplace revolution’

Once you have decided when you take maternity leave, you will have to send a letter to your employer

The Labour party will today pledge a “workplace revolution” as part of what it describes as a radical “step change” in how women are treated at work.

It is promising to increase statutory maternity pay so that it covers a full year after the birth of children rather than nine months as happens currently and says it will give all employees the right to work flexibly from day one in a job.

Dawn Butler, the shadow women and equalities secretary, also said workers would be given the right to choose working hours that suit them through a “presumption in favour of flexible work”. Employers who say that they cannot offer the requested hours will have to explain why.

Labour says it will also create a new workers’ protection agency which will work with HMRC and have the power to fine companies that don’t report or present an action plan on how to tackle their gender pay gaps.

Butler also stated that all large employers would be forced to put in place a workplace menopause policy and said more would be done to tackle harassment and that the role of union equality representatives, elected by workers to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, would be enshrined in law so they have time and support to protect workers from discrimination.

Meanwhile, the 30% Club says more than 150 FTSE 350 firms have not hit a target for 30% female boardroom representation.